In Judo, at the beginning and end of a class the students and the teacher bow down by kneeling on the knees and touching their face to the floor. Is this permissible for a Jew to do? I have been told that is not related to idol worshiping at all but is merely a sign of respect. Does this make any difference?
Answer:
If there are mats on the floor, and everybody understands that the practice is a sign of respect, it is permitted to bow.
However, it remains preferable to avoid actually touching one’s head to the floor.
Best wishes.
Sources:
Please see here and sources cited.